Private Animal Experiences

We offer a variety of private animal experiences. There is sure to be one that piques your interest and fits your schedule.
These experiences also make great gifts for birthdays and special occasions.

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Schedule at Least One Week In Advance

To inquire if a specific date is available prior to purchase, contact coordinator.

African Wild Dog Experience

$65

Observe behaviors, ask questions, and discuss with zoo staff up-close as African wild dogs train and receive daily enrichment.
Available Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:30AM.

Cost – $65 first person, $25 for each additional person (minimum age – 10 years old)
Touching – No
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Snow Leopard Experience

$65

Observe a private snow leopard training session. Observe behaviors, learn the importance of trainings, and ask questions.
Available at 9:30AM daily.

Cost – $65 first person, $25 each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+)
Touching – No
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Anteater Feeding

$40

A chance to feed one of our anteaters.
Available at 2:30 or 4PM daily.

Cost – $40 first person, $25 for each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+)
Touching – No
Feeding – Yes

Purchase Your Experience

Reptile Experience

$40

Meet and learn about our reptile ambassador collection, including different snakes, lizards, tortoises, and/or more.
Available Mon-Sat at 11:30AM or 2:30PM and Sunday at 10:30AM.

Cost – $40 first person, $25 each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+)
Touching – Possible
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Red Panda Experience

$40

Spend time observing morning red panda behaviors with either a training or enrichment, plus a private zookeeper talk with a time for questions.
Available at 9:30AM daily through Friday, February 28, 2025

Cost – $40 first person, $25 each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+, max group size is six people)
Touching – No
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

A Day in the life

$65

Ever wondered what it’s like to work at a zoo? Here’s your chance! Meet with our kitchen staff and a zookeeper, as well as observe specific animals starting the day in their public habitat from their sleeping quarters. Finally, you’ll have the chance to go behind the scenes to see Nile crocodile Pandora’s massive tunnel that gives her access between indoor and outdoor habitats.
Available Fri-Sun at 9:15AM.

Cost – $65 first person, $25 each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+, max group size is six people)
Touching – No
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Get Your Certificate

For Private Animial Experiences

Purchase a Gift Card Here

Private Animal Experience Rules & Guidelines

All private animal experiences must be booked at least one week in advance after purchase date, and are subject to availability.
Purchase must be made prior to selecting your date. You will be contacted by zoo staff upon purchase for scheduling. To inquire if a specific date is available prior to purchase, please contact us HERE.
If necessary, Private Animal Experiences may be cancelled or rescheduled by zoo staff based upon animal needs. If cancelled by the zoo, a full refund will be issued.
Private Animal Experiences are nonrefundable, but may be rescheduled with a 24 hour notice.
All experiences are animal dependent and full cooperation cannot be guaranteed.

Fully enclosed shoes must be worn to participate in experiences. NO exceptions!
Zoo admission is not included with Private Animal Experiences and must be purchased separately.
Only one Private Animal Experience can be booked per day.
Waivers are required for some experiences.
At least one paid adult is required to accompany all children under the age of 18.
Gift certificates may be purchased on our online store.
Pictures are welcomed, so bring your cameras!

When you register for a class or program with the Zoo Boise/City of Boise, this Personal Release Statement is implied: I understand that the registered activities and services may have an element of hazard or inherent danger and I take full responsibility for my actions and physical condition. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Friends of Zoo Boise, Zoo Boise, the City of Boise and its employees from any liability loss, cost, or expense (including attorney’s fees, medical, and ambulance costs) that I may incur while participating in the activities at the zoo. I give my consent to use any photographs or videotape taken of me in future promotional or marketing materials.